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Roon for high end audio?

I have been listening almost exclusively to CDs but want to start to get into music streaming.  Sound quality is very high on my list, and I am interested in streaming for 2 reasons; broad selection and hopefully better sound.  I am using a dbx Venue 360 with a Jeff Roland Concerto Preamp and Roland Power amp.  I have a Savant system that allows music playback in multiple rooms, controls video etc.  My Savant integrator suggested Roon. Since I am not currently into streaming, I can’t figure out if Roon is the right thing to do.  It seems like a great music server service with the ability to manage very high quality digital files, but the downstream handling of the files and conversion to analog (DAC) seems lacking.  It seems most people are using it for playback in less than audiophile situations, and compatible equipment is very limited.  Quality wise, am I better off with something like Bluenote and a high quality DAC like say, Denafrips?
kingofgix
emergingsoul
964 posts
 
Streaming can be complex. More u learn the deeper rabbithole is.

very frustrating, be prepared to spend alot.

Keep it simple. Stay away from exotic peripherals.


adasdad's avatar
adasdad
126 posts
 
When I came into the 21st century and stopped fooling around with my hundreds of CD’s and LP’s and started streaming music it was a veritable godsend. I use a ROON Nucleus Rev B to stream music from Tidal and Qobuz. My router is a Gigaspire model made by Calix that was provided by my cable TV internet service, a product which I plan on upgrading in the future. I use a $20 CAT6 Ethernet cable made by L-Com running from the router to my Nucleus, because there is no need for a more expensive one unless you have a much better router. I do use an AudioQuest Diamond USB cable from the Nucleus to my ROON endpoint, a Chord Hugo M Scaler, because I’m not a cable denier, and the AQ Diamond is one that sounds quite nice within my listening chain. I’m all about plug and play convenience. I turn on my Woo WA22 hp amp, put my Focal Utopia headphones on my head, pick up my iPad Pro, and start listening to whatever recorded music suits my fancy. It’s that easy. You can spend thousands on TOTL streaming audio gear if you want to, but it really isn’t necessary if you’re just getting started. 
nitrobob
238 posts
 
I'm late for this question. I have a Lyngdorf processor ordered. If I ever get my hands on it I will be getting streaming up and running. I have never done so as I'm a CD and TT guy. The MP-40 comes with Roon installed. What else do I need to make Qobuz work ? I strictly want the best SQ, not worried about convenience or storage and such. I just want something that plays good sound, like my CD's do,,, which I realize is impossible, but lets get as close as I can ....
Ag insider logo xs@2x
kingbarbuda
514 posts
 
If your unit will serve as a host for your Roon core and will be a server/streamer, then you need a Roon subscription. Then download the Roon Remote app to your phone or tablet. Log into your Roon account and select your Roon core on your unit. Then in Services log into your Qobuz account and you are all set. FYI if you also have Tidal you can login to Tidal. You can also log into Dropbox if you use Dropbox to store your Roon backup files. Hope that was helpful. 
nitrobob
238 posts
 
kingbarbuda

Exactly what I needed to know. Thanks. Not real sure what you mean by selecting  Roon Core, but I'll figure it out... 
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